FAQ

==Frequently Asked Questions: ==

What is Alternate Realms?
Alternate Realms (AR) is an online collection of sims. Each sim is a collaboratively written role-playing game that takes place in a variety of setting. It reads like a story written by several people known as simmers or players.

Why do we sim? Because we share a love of writing and a love of the genre's we play in. We are a community of writers who write to develop our characters, participate in a large ongoing story and enjoy sharing our imaginations with each other.

How do you sim?
First you’ll need to create a character for the sim. On the sim, there will be many other characters that other people play, and you will all collaborate and contribute to the ongoing story of that sim. You can describe what’s going on physically and mentally with your character, and also how they interact with others to help contribute to the story and overall plot for that sim.

There are three main types of sims:
 * Play by Forum (PBF): mission posts and community chatter are made on a forum
 * Play by Email (PBEM): mission posts and community chatter are sent and received through a mailing group like yahoogroups or google groups
 * Play by Sim Management System (SMS): mission posts are made and viewed on the sim's website (posts might be received via email).

What are the rules?
Each sim has their own rules that are specific to that sim, however all players and Commanding Officers must follow the charter and policies of AR as explained in the Rules section of this site.

Is there an age requirement?
Yes, each sim sets their own age requirement. This rating will be clearly displayed on the sim’s site and on the Alternate Realms sim page.

Can I write a character from a Trek/Wars/Gate/Other show or movie?
No. You need to use that imagination of yours and create your own original character.

How do I join a sim?
Below is a guide on how to join a sim in AR. It is recommend that you keep a copy of your application, just in case.
 * Search for a sim that interests you. Check the characters, the mission posts and open positions list to help you find a sim that is most suitable to you and one you find interesting
 * When you apply you will need to create your own original character
 * You will also need to submit a sample post, this is to show the sim's command staff your character in action and also to give them an idea of your writing abilities. This, along with your character’s biography, will help them to determine if you and your character are suitable for the sim
 * Before you click the submit button, proofread and spellcheck your application.

What happens once I’ve submit my application?

 * The Game Master will respond to your application within five days. This might seem like a long time but this is due to the GM discussing your application with their AGM and/or the relevant department head. One of three outcomes could happen:
 * Your application is turned down (Denied maybe?)
 * Some changes have been requested before a decision can be made
 * Your application has been accepted
 * If accepted, you will receive a welcome / confirmation email with information on how to get started in the sim’s mission and any other relevant information.

What rank will I start at?
Your character's rank is at the discretion of the GM of the sim you apply to and depends on the type of sim you join. Usually it is based on a combination of your character’s history and your own simming experience and writing ability. You should know that rank doesn’t hold too much meaning to us as writers. We are here to write our characters, develop them and enjoy ourselves along the way :)

If you are a GM then you can pick your rank up to Captain or its compilable rank. No Commanding will hold a rank higher than Captain.

Where can I find more information on Alternate Realms?
Search around this site and its wiki. We have lots of available information for our group and the sims that play within it.

How often should I post?
According to AR policy, you should post at least once a week to be considered an active and participating member of a sim. Some sims may require more frequent posting, so you should check the sim's site before you submit an application.

How do I get promoted?
This is determined by your GM. Usually it is decided based on in character reasoning to ensure some kind of realism in this fictional setting. Rank does not reflect your ability as a writer, that is recognized through awards (if the sim has them), praise and feedback. Rank is more for in character purposes.

What is the chain of command?
In character Chain of Command is the level of authority or rank that your character has. At the top is the Game Master and Assistant Game Master (This is typically, but not always true), descending from there are the department heads and the general crew/members. Orders flow from the top down, and issues or grievances flow from your position up.

Out of character it works more as a support structure and works in the opposite direction. You the player are supported by your Department Head who is supported by the Command Staff and they by the administrative staff of AR. So if you need any assistance, someone to JP with, aren’t happy about something or need some ideas on what to post, then you should contact your Department Head or, if you are a Department Head, your command staff. If you are a GM then please feel free to contact someone from the administrative staff to assist you.

Can I harm / kill another player's character?
No. Not without the permission from the player of that character or the GM. It’s much more fun to do a joint post with the other player :)

The sim I am on has a higher than PG13 rating, does this mean I can write sex, violence and gore?
That depends entirely on the rules of the sim. Check the sim’s rules or FAQs pages, it should spell out what you can post and the level of detail you get into. If in doubt, contact the GM.

I’ve got nothing to write about...
Sure you do! Take a look at the story so far. Is there anything important you should be responding to? Are you under attack by a giant orange floaty thing? Did your superior issue orders and you need to follow them? If you’re absolutely stuck though or feel you have been left out, contact your next in line for some ideas. Usually all you need is a little help or a joint post to get back on track. Being proactive always helps :)

I have a problem with so and so, what do I do?
If you aren’t able to resolve the problem between yourselves then please contact the next person up the chain of command. If the persona you are having issues with is the sim GM, please bring it to their attention in the first instance. If that does not work then feel free to contact the GCO or GXO for assistance.

How do I transfer my character to another sim / take a leave of absence / resign?
See the relevant policy for further information.

I want to make a proposal, how do I do that?
Check out the forum for answers to proposal questions.

What does it take to be a Game Master?
A lot of things really. Time, commitment, creativity and simming experience are essentials though. Being a Game Master requires a lot more time and effort than being a player, especially in the beginning when you have to set everything up and get your sim active. Make sure you can dedicate several hours a week. The more you put into your sim and your players, the more you will get out of it and them.

You'll have to be able to use your imagination to dream up inclusive missions and subplots. Be adaptive and flexible and come up with interesting things to keep plots moving and your players interested. You also need to be positive, optimistic and able to keep going, as there will always be ups and downs.

Other skills that will help you as a Game Master (aren't necessary but you should be willing to learn) are web skills (depends on your sim type what you’ll need to familiarize yourself with), communication and leadership skills. These are real life skills that you may already have picked up through work or schooling and can use to help you as a Commanding Officer.

What support / help will I get as a Game Master?
Loads.
 * You will be assigned a mentor who will act as your bestest buddy and be there to support you in whatever way they can. If they can't help you with something, then they can put you in touch with someone who can. They want to see you succeed, have been in your shoes before and will do whatever they can to see you and your sim do well
 * In addition to all this, we have also created GM Handbook, that covers some of the theory of everything from recruiting to building a community, mission ideas and handling applications
 * Don’t forget the list of resources for you and your players on the site.

I would like my sim to have a higher than PG13 rating, how can I do that?
That is entirely up to the you, the Game Master, to decide. All you have to do is ensure that your chosen age rating is clearly displayed on your sim’s site, along with a description of what is acceptable, and enforce it, we’re happy :)

What do I have to do to get my sim active?
We encourage you to start posting as soon as you have a couple of players to write with and somewhere to post. This will help keep yourself and your players interested in the sim.
 * Recruit 5 players, including yourself.
 * Develop a website and a place for posting
 * Have started posting in character

When can I get a new ship/base/planet?
AR prefers that you wait a year (since being declared active or your last class change), before submitting an official proposal.

How can I get players to post more often on my sim?
Look at your sim. When was the last time you posted? Remember, that your crew will take your own activity level as an example. Also look at the mission, is it dragging along? Is there something for everyone to do? If this is the case consider moving the plot along, introducing a twist or some action. Give orders in character and let people know out of character what they could do. One way to do this is to open up a joint post and tag people in it so they have something to respond to.

Communicate with your players and find out what is going on with them, if they need to take an LOA. Sometimes real life can hit everyone at the same time, especially if all of your players are in school. Check if they feel motivated or inspired, if not, why not? Ask them what they thinik they need or what you can do to help them. If you're totally stuck, hit up your mentor. They've been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and yet still experience activity slumps as well. Sometimes an extra pair of outside eyes can help.

A player has resigned / gone missing, can I NPC their character?
No. A character (PC / PNPC) is the creative property of that player. You can however obtain permission from the player to NPC them or kill the character off. If not, sometimes it is easiest to just not mention them again or say they transferred off the ship (IC).

What do I do if I have more questions?
You can contact the administrative staff or the individual Game Masters of Alternate Realms, by going to the Staff Page clicking on the relevant name and completing the email form.